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AIM-9L Sidewinder

2022-10-01T18:07:20Z

U109262731: /* General info */ AIM-9B was accidentally called AIM-8B

{{About
| about = American air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9L Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9L Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]], it was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

The AIM-9L entered service in 1977 as the first Sidewinder with all-aspect capabilities. It was first used by a pair of F-14 Tomcats in 1981, successfully destroying two Libyan Su-22s. Its first large scale usage was by the United Kingdom during the Falklands War, with an 80% launch-to-kill ratio.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_10a_early}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}
* {{Specs-Link|ah_1z}}
* {{Specs-Link|ah_64a}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}
* {{Specs-Link|harrier_gr7}}

== General info ==

The AIM-9L variant is the first Sidewinder since the AIM-9B to be jointly used by the USAF and the USN, and was jointly developed by the two branches as well. It is directly based on the USN AIM-9H, but features improvements utilized in the USAF AIM-9J, including a new radar-slavable uncaged seeker head. It features an intermediary payload between the two previous branches of Sidewinder, and an intermediary weight.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 84 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || All-Aspects
|-
| '''Lock range in rear-aspect''' || 6 km
|-
| '''Lock range in all-aspect''' || 3 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 30 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 4.06 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===

Compared to every other Sidewinder in-game, it has a ludicrous maximum overload of 30 Gs, 10 Gs short of what it could pull in real life, a motor burn time identical to the naval Sidewinders, a slightly longer rear-aspect lock range, and is the only Sidewinder to feature all-aspect IR lock, although front-aspect locks are very vulnerable to flares.

{| class="wikitable"
! Missile Characteristics !! AIM-9L !! AIM-9H !! AIM-9J
|-
| '''Mass''' || 84 kg || 88 kg || 76 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR || IR || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || All-Aspect || Rear || Rear
|-
| '''Seeker Head''' || Uncaged (radar slavable) || Uncaged (radar slavable) || Uncaged (radar slavable)
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 6 km || 5.5 km || 5.5 km
|-
| '''Lock range (all-aspect)''' || 3 km || N/A || N/A
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km || 18 km || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M || 2.5 M || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 30 G || 18 G || 20 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 s || 60 s || 40 s
|-
| '''Explosive Mass''' || 4.06 kg TNTeq || 3.53 kg TNTeq || 7.62 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The AIM-9L is best used in rear-aspect within a 3 km range from the target. It is best used against targets who are unaware, do not have flares, or have low energy.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can pull hard with a 30G Max G-overload
* Up to 5 km in which the missile can turn (5.2 s of burn time)
* Retains the long range of the AIM-9D/G
* Occasionally completely ignores flares

'''Cons:'''

* Still fairly vulnerable to flares, especially when launched head-on
* Low track rate means it can be defeated by moderate manoeuvres

== History ==

===Development===
The experience with the AIM-9 Sidewinders in the Vietnam War and Yom Kippur War showed that there were still many improvements that could be made to the Sidewinder's performance. Low-altitude performance was poor due to environmental interferences on the Sidewinder's IR seeker, and the IR seeker was only able to attack from the rear to lock onto the engine exhaust of an enemy aircraft. Improving the Sidewinder's seeker capabilities to solve these issues became the key improvement for the next Sidewinder generation.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder">Kopp 2014</ref>
[[File:Cutaway_of_the_AIM-9L.png|x250px|right|thumb|none|An AIM-9L missile on display. The canard fin shape is the most distinctive external feature of the AIM-9L.]]

The United States Navy had their own development team within China Lake that set to work improving their Sidewinders, which has so far culminated from the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9B]] to the [[AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9D]], [[AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9G]] and their latest [[AIM-9H Sidewinder|AIM-9H]]. The US Air Force had their own development of the Sidewinder splitting off from the US Navy's AIM-9B to the [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] and [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9J]]. The US Navy and US Air Force's Sidewinder models were not compatible between the two service branches due to differences in seeker cooling methods. The United States Air Force desired to continue their own missile program named "CLAW", which called for the use of smaller, cheaper missiles so more could be fired at a time. William Perry, the Defense Department's deputy director of research and engineering, disapproved of this path and told the US Air Force to work with the US Navy to work together on a common IR missile for both service branches. The US Air Force, therefore, cooperated with the US Navy's China Lake team to share specifications and technology to produce the next missile. The US Navy would designate this program as the ''AIM-9H Product Improvement Package'' (PIP).<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L">Westrum 2013, 191-193</ref>

The package prioritized improving the seeker with an indium antimonide seeker, which could detect the longer-wavelength infrared radiation given out of warm surfaces of aircraft parts, allowing the missile to obtain all-aspect capability (ALASCA) in acquiring targets.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" /> Other improvements with the AIM-9H PIP were the long-span pointed double-delta canards, a new MK 36 solid-fuel rocket motor, WDU-17/B warhead featuring double-layer continuous-rod scheme, and a DSU-15/B Active Optical Target Detector (AOTD) laser proximity fuse system <ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder">Goebel 2021</ref><ref name="Designation_Sidewinder">Parsch 2008</ref> The cooling system was improved to a TMU/72/B argon-gas cooling system that was contained within the missile's seeker, which allowed for use on both USAF and USN missile launchers.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder" /> The one feature that complicated the US Navy and US Air Force cooperation with the missile was the reticle seeker, with the US Navy desiring an amplitude-modulated (AM) seeker while the US Air Force desired a frequency-modulated (FM) seeker. An AM-FM system was developed by Raytheon,<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" />, which allowed the Sidewinder to use both traditional AM reticle that is effective in cloudy backgrounds with the benefit of the FM reticle reducing seeker error signal inputs from the target's increasing size as the seeker gets closer.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder" /><ref name="Westrum_AMSeeker">Westrum 2013, 137</ref>
[[File:Breakout of the AIM-9L.png|x200px|left|none|thumb|An exploded diagram of the AIM-9L and its components.]]

Another improvement Raytheon introduced in the AIM-9H PIP was a rate bias that caused the missile to aim slightly ahead of an aircraft's hot afterburner. Issues arose when the missiles' rate bias adjusts too far ahead and missed the aircraft from the front. Consultation with General Dynamics revealed similar issues had arose during the development of the [[AIM-92 Stinger|FIM-92 Stinger]] missile, and the proper adjustments were made to solve the issue.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" /> Sometime prior to 1975, the AIM-9H PIP would be designated as the '''AIM-9L'''. By 1975, the AIM-9L was tested in a joint navy-air force evaluation. Satisfied with the results, the AIM-9L missile was put into production in 1976 with both Raytheon and Ford Aerospace for a missile that was now jointly serving the United States Air Force and Navy.<ref name="Westrum_9LAcceptance">Westrum 2013, 196</ref>

Foreign users were also sought out for the AIM-9L. In one case, the AIM-9L was contested against the German company Bodensee Geratechnik (BGT), which had developed an ALASCA seeker for a proposed Viper missile. To resolve this and bring BGT to help produce AIM-9Ls to European allies, the US Navy and Raytheon waived license and R&D fees for the AIM-9L, causing the end of the Viper missile development and provided AIM-9Ls to Great Britain, Norway, and Germany. Japan were also given the license to produce AIM-9Ls, which was performed by Mitsubishi. Between Raytheon, Ford, BGT, and Mitsubishi, more than 16,000 AIM-9L Sidewinders have been built since their production started.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" />

===Combat===
The AIM-9L would see action in separate theaters by different users in the 1980s.
[[File:F-14A_VF-143_with_Sidewinder_and_Sparrow_missiles.jpg|left|x250px|thumb|none|A [[F-14A Early|F-14A]] equipped with a complement of AIM-9L Sidewinders and AIM-7 Sparrows.]]
On 19 August 1981, two US Navy's [[F-14A Early|F-14A Tomcats]] from VF-41 were engaged by two Libyan [[Su-22M3|Su-22]] in an event that would be known as the Gulf of Sidra incident.<ref name="GuardiaF14Variant">Guardia 2019, 20</ref><ref name="Westrum_F14Combat">Westrum 2013, 1-2</ref> As the Su-22s closed in, the lead plane fired a [[R-3S|AA-2 "Atoll]] missile at the F-14s, but missed.<ref name="GuardiaSidra">Guardia 2019, 30-35</ref> After evading the missile, the F-14s manoeuvred behind the Su-22s and, equipped with AIM-9L Sidewinders, each destroyed a Su-22 with the Sidewinders. The combat was concluded within 45 seconds.<ref name="Westrum_F14Combat" />

In 1982, the British would extensively use AIM-9L during the Falkland War on Sea Harriers. Procuring and using the AIM-9L were difficult as when the British carrier task force set sail to the Falklands in 05 April 1982, only 19 AIM-9L were in inventory. Moreover, the new canards on the AIM-9L did not fit the Sea Harrier's launch rails below the wings, though this was solved by filing down the launch rails for the AIM-9L to fit.<ref name="White_AIM9L">White 2020</ref> Sea Harriers equipped with AIM-9L fought in engagements against Argentine [[A-4B|A-4 Skyhawks]], Super Etendards, and [[Mirage IIIE|Mirage III]]s.<ref name="YoungSidewinder">Young 2021</ref> By the end of the conflict, a total of 27 AIM-9Ls were launched which scored 24 hits on Argentine aircraft, which translates to an 88% success rate for the AIM-9L missile.<ref name="Herbert_1982wars">Herbert 2007</ref>

Another conflict in 1982 that saw AIM-9Ls being used was the Israeli-Lebanon war. The Israelis launched Operation Mole Cricket 19 on 09 June 1982 to eliminate a Syrian air defense network set up in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. The success of the Israeli operation forced the Syrians to commit their [[MiG-21bis|MiG-21s]] and [[MiG-23MLD|MiG-23s]] to prevent the Israeli Air Force (IAF) from achieving aerial superiority. The IAF, consisting of F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, retained control of the sky as Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft informed Israeli pilots of the presence of Syrian jets, which were then intercepted and destroyed at visual range with AIM-9Ls, [[Shafrir]], or Python missiles. The AIM-9L reportedly earned a kill rate of 85% during this conflict and contributed to the Israeli claim of destroying more than 80 Syrian aircraft, which only had [[R-13M|K-13 missiles]] to fight back against the IAF aircraft.<ref name="YoungSidewinder" /><ref name="Herbert_1982wars" />

===Future Sidewinder variants===
[[File:AH-1W_VX-5_launching_AIM-9L_1987.jpg|right|thumb|none|An AH-1W SuperCobra fires a AIM-9L from a wing-mounted missile launcher at China Lake.]]

Though AIM-9L was a successful Sidewinder variant, there were still more features and improvements to be introduced into the model. Infrared Counter-Countermeasure (IRCCM) capability, a smaller smoke signature from the motor, and an improved WGU-4/B guidance system were implemented into the AIM-9L PIP that became the ''AIM-9M'', which saw use during the Gulf War.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> The next significant AIM-9 variant to be developed was the ''AIM-9R'', which attempted to evolve the AIM-9 design with the use of a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector, allowing the missile to use an imaging system to track the target. However, cost overruns, staff mismanagement, use of expensive and complicated components, and the fact the imaging system could not work in the night caused the backers of the program to lose faith and the missile was cancelled by the US Navy in December 1991.<ref name="Westrum_9R">Westrum 2013, 198-203</ref>

The AIM-9L and future variants introduced many radical features that the United States deemed too sensitive for all allies, and export variants were produced that lacked some of the newer features. These export variants were labeled as ''AIM-9N'', ''[[AIM-9P Sidewinder|AIM-9P]]'', and ''AIM-9S''.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" />

[[File:AIM-9X_F-15C_2002.jpg|x200px|left|thumb|none|An AIM-9X Sidewinder on an F-15C.]]
The most recent Sidewinder variant to see use is the ''AIM-9X'', which uses the Mk 36 motor and WDU-17/B warhead from the AIM-9M, but the airframe had been redesigned with smaller fins and canards for lower drag and better flight performance. Rollerons have been removed from the Sidewinder's design as the flight control system was sophisticated enough to no longer need them. The WPU-17/B propulsion section uses a jet-vane steering system to steer the Sidewinder with thrust-vectoring. The result was a more compact missile that could fit within a fighter's internal bay, such as the F-22 and F-35.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> The biggest improvement of the AIM-9X over the predecessors was the guidance, using a seeker that was developed for the AIM-132 {{Annotation|ASRAAM|Advanced Short-Range Anti-Air Missile}} with an imaging infrared array, cooled by a Stirling-cycle cryocooler.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder" /> The AIM-9X also introduced an "Off-Boresight" capability, allowing the missile to be used with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) to acquire target with the pilot's helmet.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder" /><ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> Continually seeing development as late as 2019,<ref name="Drive_AIM9X">Rogoway et al. 2019</ref> the AIM-9X looks to be the main Sidewinder model for the 21st century aerospace.

== Media ==

[[File:AIM-9L.png|thumb|none|none|An AIM-9L Sidwinder hangs off a F-14 Tomcat.]]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|faKyQOTmzDw|'''Best guided missiles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:18 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)]]

== External links ==


=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Goebel, Greg. 2021. "The Falcon & Sidewinder Air-To-Air Missiles." Air Vectors. Last modified July 01, 2021. [https://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html#m6 Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107173258/https://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html Archive]).
* Guardia, Mike. 2019. ''Tomcat Fury: A Combat History of the F-14''. Maple Grove, MN: Magnum Books.
* Herbert, Adam J. 2007. "The Wars of Eighty-Two". Air Force Magazine. Last modified April 01, 2007. [https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0407eightytwo/ Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107183859/https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0407eightytwo/ Archive]).
* Kopp, Carlo. 2014. "The Sidewinder Story: The Evolution of the AIM-9 Missile." Air Power Australia. Last modified January 27, 2014. [http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107173023/http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Archive])
* Parsch, Andreas. 2008. "AIM-9." Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. Last modified July 09, 2008. [http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107172850/http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Archive])
* Rogoway, Tyler and Josephy Trevithick. 2019. "The AIM-9X Sidewinder May Finally Evolve Into A Completely New And Longer-Range Missile". The Drive. Last modified September 03, 2019. [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29158/the-aim-9x-sidewinder-may-finally-evolve-into-a-completely-new-and-longer-range-missile Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211123183940/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29158/the-aim-9x-sidewinder-may-finally-evolve-into-a-completely-new-and-longer-range-missile Archive]).
* Westrum, Ron. 2013. ''Sidewinder; Creative Missile Development at China Lake''. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press.
* White, Roland. 2020. "Her Majesty's Death Ray: How The AIM-9L Sidewinder Vanquished The Argentine Air Force." The Drive. Last modified October 07, 2020. [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36949/her-majestys-death-ray-how-the-aim-9l-sidewinder-vanquished-argentine-air-force Website]. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107182645/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36949/her-majestys-death-ray-how-the-aim-9l-sidewinder-vanquished-argentine-air-force Archive])
* Young, James. 2021. "Freedom's "Flying Snake": The AIM-9 Sidewinder in the Cold War". Marine Corps University. Accessed January 07, 2022. [https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Expeditions-with-MCUP-digital-journal/Freedoms-Flying-Snake/ Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107192115/https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Expeditions-with-MCUP-digital-journal/Freedoms-Flying-Snake/ Archive]).

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Roland 1

2022-01-16T17:42:51Z

U109262731: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=fr_amx_30_roland
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

The armour of the Roland 1 is average compared to other SPAAGs of the same battle rating, such as the [[FlaRakPz 1]] or the [[FlaRakRad]], which still means that the user will have a hard time surviving an encounter against an MBT or other SPAAGs equipped with cannons with at least 30 mm of penetration, such as the [[SIDAM 25 (Mistral)|SIDAM 25]] if they are using an APDS belt. Because the Roland is the only top tier SPAAG currently available for France, it will be very common for the user to face against top-tier jets such as the [[MiG-21bis]] or the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]]. These jets (and many more) have no problem shredding through the top of the tank with ease.

Almost every MBT in the game will have absolutely no problem destroying you with a single shot into the front of the tank, as the 30 mm thick front plate is inadequate for protection and the spall created from APFSDS shells will be more than enough to wipe out your crew. However due to the large interior of the tank and the spacing of the crew, one might survive an APFSDS shot to the side provided it does not hit the munitions, a fuel tank, or the driver and the commander at the same time. Due to the tank being larger, the modules such as the engine or the transmission won't be enough to stop a shot from the back. Because of this, one should avoid direct confrontation with a hostile MBT at any given time.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 30 mm (30°) ''Upper glacis'' 30 mm (40°) ''Lower glacis'' 15 mm (75°) ''Driver's port''
| 15 mm || 15 mm || 10 mm 5 mm ''Radiator''
|-
| Turret || 15 (0° - 30°) mm ''Turret front'' 10 mm ''Optics'' || 10 - 15 mm || 15 mm || 10 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Tracks are 20 mm thick
* Suspension wheels are made from structural steel and are 15 mm thick
* Additional armour in the front of the hull, consists of spare tracks 20 mm thick and a single structural steel block 4 mm thick
** There is also additional armour placed on the rear of the vehicle albeit only 4 extra millimetres in the form of structural steel

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,023|rbMinHp=637}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|Roland}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Roland|Roland SAM]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 10 (2) || rowspan="2" | -10°/+35° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 74.9 || 103.6 || 125.8 || 139.1 || 148.0 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 50.6 || 59.5 || 72.3 || 79.9 || 85.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Roland 1 || SAM || 39 || 39 || 39 || 39 || 39 || 39
|-
| Roland 3 || SAM || 54 || 54 || 54 || 54 || 54 || 54
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Range (m)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| Roland 1 || SAM || 500 || 6,300 || 65 || 0 || 0.1 || 4,590 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Roland 3 || SAM || 575 || 8,000 || 77 || 0 || 0.1 || 6,810 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''10''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Always scan the clouds for enemy jets. Since you cannot engage hostile MBTs, there is no point trying to get into positions where MBTs may be lurking. Your best bet would be to stick to cover from where you can constantly scan the sky for enemy jets while also being safe from hostile MBTs. Due to your size, you won't be able to find cover all that easily, so if needed, you can stay behind a hill and wait until your team advances so that you can reposition and find new cover that is way more effective.

Your missiles have no problem catching even the fastest of the jets, but speed is not everything. Try to strike down jets which are crippled or in the middle of a manoeuvre. There is no point in wasting a missile on a jet that has plenty of energy and time to react and dodge your missile. This plays a major factor in your performance because you can only carry 10 missiles and getting to a capture point to refill your missiles might not be an easy task to accomplish in some maps.

If you encounter helicopters, they are an easy target as long as you manage to spot them first. If they spot you first and you do not notice it, it is very likely your tank is gonna get hit by an AGM, which due to Roland's thin armour, results in an instant KO. If you are not sure if the hostile team has a helicopter, wait behind cover that protects you from the spawning helicopters and scout around or wait till your teammates call out the enemy helicopter. You should also bear in mind that the range of your missiles is roughly 6,300 m, which might not be enough against certain helicopters in some cases, such as the [[Ka-52]]/[[Ka-50|50]] or the [[EC-665 Tiger UHT]].

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Roland 1 and Roland 3 SAM are more than enough to take down any aircraft if they hit center mass.
* Fast turret rotation coupled with the 2 missiles per reload (which is only 5 seconds long) allows the user to take down jets in quick succession.
* Radar can be used to guide the missile towards the target.
* Pretty fast, allows for quick repositioning.

'''Cons:'''

* Pretty large, it is a big target for enemy jets and MBTs alike.
* Radar lock can be broken fairly easily if one is positioned near trees.
* Lacks any sort of weaponry against MBTs, Roland missiles will only damage tracks/cannons if used against MBTs.
* Crew members are positioned in a row, allows for easy one shot kills from the front and the back.
* Reloading process can't start until all missiles have blown up.
* Of all Roland equipped SAM Systems, it has the lowest elevation.

== History ==

[[File:AMX-30R Roland.jpg|thumb|500x500px|AMX-30R 'Roland' formerly of the 401e Régiment d'Artillerie (401e RA) on external display at the Musée des Blindés, Saumur.]]
The Roland 1 is a Franco-German designed anti-aircraft missile system, serving primarily with the German and French armies. Designed in the late 1960s, the Roland 1 was accepted for service in the late 1970s and served with the French Army. An improved version, the [[FlaRakPz 1|Roland 2]], was accepted for service a short time later, with improved capability including all-weather operations. The Roland system has been widely exported to a variety of nations, and has been used during the Falklands Conflict and Iran-Iraq war.

=== Design and development ===
In the late 1960s, the first surface-to-air missile systems began to emerge as potent anti-aircraft defence systems. As a result, in 1964, representatives of the French and German governments signed an agreement to jointly develop a new self-propelled anti-aircraft missile launcher system (SPAAML), named Roland. The work was conducted by Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) on the German side, and Aerospatiale-Matra on the French side. The first prototype for the system was rolled out in 1967, and in 1977, the French government accepted the first Roland 1 SAM system into service.

The French Roland 1 SPAAML was based off of the [[AMX-30]] Chassis. It was operated by 3 crew members, and was fitted with a large central turret carrying two Roland SAMs, along with the corresponding search radar. The Roland 1 was limited to clear-weather operations, and was semi-automatic, unlike the fully-automatic Roland 2 and Roland 3 systems. The Roland 1 missiles themselves had a maximum firing range of 6.5 kilometres, with a top speed of 900 m/s (Mach 2.5).

=== Operational History ===
The Roland 1 first entered service with the French Army in 1977, with a total of 83 Roland 1 missile batteries being produced. These served as the primary French SPAA system, though they were quickly supplemented by more advanced Roland 2 and Roland 3 systems. The Roland missile system has now been removed from French service, being replaced by more advanced, modern missile systems such as the Mistral.

The Roland missile system was widely exported, serving with multiple nations including Argentina, Brazil, Qatar, Spain, Nigeria and Venezuela. As well, it was one of the few foreign missile systems used by the United States. Roland missiles were used during the Falklands conflict of 1982, and reportedly shot down four British Sea Harriers. However, there is conflicting data on this claim, which cannot be confirmed. Iraq also used the Roland system during the Iran-Iraq war, shooting down an [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]] Phantom and a F-5 Tiger. Most Roland SAM batteries have now been phased out, replaced by more modern weapons.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_30_roland Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|luvhoX8Ht1I|'''New anti-air defence''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:44 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same missile

* [[FlaRakPz 1]]
* [[FlaRakRad]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:AMX-30#Variants|[Wikipedia] AMX-30 - Variants]]
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/France/AMX-30-Roland-SAM.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> AMX-30 Roland]

=== References ===

* Missilery Missile Database. (2006). Roland-1 anti-aircraft missile system. Retrieved January 02, 2021, from https://en.missilery.info/missile/roland-1
* Tanks Encyclopedia. (2011). AMX-30 Roland. Retrieved January 02, 2021.

{{France anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Matra R550 Magic 1

2022-01-16T17:34:47Z

U109262731: /* Usage in battles */ After the missile sensitivity rework, the deleted part is no longer the case

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage Matra R550 Magic 1.png|thumb|left|420px|The Matra R550 Magic 1 missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The Matra R.550 Magic 1 is a French [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|IR homing air-to-air missile]] that was intended to replace the AIM-9s in French Army service. It was introduced in [[update "Starfighters"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_5c}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-8e_fn}}
* {{Specs-Link|jaguar_a}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3c}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3e}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_5f}}

== General info ==

The R.550 Magic is the most capable missile currently at War Thunder, with boasting 30 G overload and resistance to G overload when launching, make it the most deadly missile at top tier when use correctly. It is to be noted that the Magic is a very light missile, with only two seconds of boost time. The missiles comes equipped with large and numerous control surfaces, ensuring high manoeuvrability throughout the flight time. The price of these big control surfaces is a high drag, with the weapon decelerating quickly after end of boost time, limiting the missile range.

The weapon enable time is 0.5 second, meaning the missile will accelerate straight for half a second before starting manoeuvres.

=== Effective damage ===


* [[R-60]] - A soviet short range IR missile with excellent overload performance but poor booster capability

== Usage in battles ==

''The Magic is mounted on the Mirage series of aircraft, being extremely well integrated, and slavable to the aircraft's radar. Meaning that if the Mirage's Cyrano radar is locked on an enemy aircraft, enabling the missile seeker will immediately activate the missile seeker's gimbals, and the seeker will orientate itself in the direction of the locked target. Allowing a certain capability of "off-boresight" shooting of the missile. This fact is important in close range engagements and dogfight.''

Overall, the Matra 550 Magic missile is to be used as a close encounter platform. Firing the weapon on an enemy at a distance of more than 2 km yields poor results, especially if the target is fleeing at high speed. Under 1.5 km mark, the hit is nearly assured. Note that the use of flares is an effective countermeasure against the Magic. Concerning off-boresight shoots, sending away the weapon over 1-1.2 km is not advised, because the trajectory correction needed for an off-boresight shoot is higher that a standard shoot.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great turning capability
* Can be slaved onto the radar
* Can launch in any G condition

'''Cons:'''

* Poor low speed turning capability, easy to dodge if launched close to target
* Sensitive to flare decoys

== History ==
'Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:R550 Magic - Mirage IIIC.png|R.550 Magic seen on Mirage IIIC
Image:Magic I.png|The Matra 550 Magic 1 missile. Note the size and number of control surfaces, and the lack of thrust vectoring in the missile's rocket motor nozzle.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|faKyQOTmzDw|'''Best guided missiles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:42 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Matra R530

2022-01-16T17:33:24Z

U109262731: /* Pros and cons */ more up to date wording, spelling correction

{{About
| about = semi-active radar homing missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the infrared homing version
| link = Matra R530E
}}

== Description ==
[[File:WeaponImage Matra R530.png|thumb|left|420px|The Matra R530 missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}

The Matra R530 is a BVR, semi-active, radar guided, heavy missile originating from France. It is the fist iteration of the Matra 530 series of missiles, and is the fist widely used SARH missile used by the French army.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|f-8e_fn}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3c}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3cj}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3e}}

== General info ==

The Matra 530 missile is a heavy anti-air weapon. it is a semi-active, radar-homing (SARH) missile. Meaning the missile is guided by a beam, emitted by the carrier aircraft's radar. This fact implies that the carrier aircraft must keep radar lock on its target for the entire duration of the missile flight. Note that contrary to IR-guided missiles, this SARH missile can lock on a target from much further away (up to 15 km and above), and from a front aspect. An advantage shared with the US AIM-7 Sparrow and the USSR R3R missiles.

The missile can reach the speed of Mach 2.7, and accelerates for a long time before gliding to its target, keeping good manoeuvrability throughout the entire flight.

The missile being of SARH type, launching the missile will trigger an RWR alert in the target aircraft, if it is equipped with such a technology. On the other hand, the missile is not seduced by flares, as it is guided by radar emission, and not heat emission.

It is to be noted that the seeking head of the weapon becomes active only after a full second of flight. This first second being entirely used for acceleration, activation of internal components and search of the radar locked target.

=== Effective damage ===

The missiles carries a 10Kg warhead, which is more than enough to destroy any target in the Fighter/Attacker role. The missile detonation is triggered by a proximity fuse. The missile cannot be fired at a ground target.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[AIM-7E Sparrow]] : The Matra 530 is bigger, flies longer, and is generally better. On the other hand, the carrier platforms of the sparrow carry a set of more (2 or 4) missiles, whereas the Mirage IIIC, and other variants, can only carry one Matra 530 missile.

* [[R-3R]] : The R3R missile, while technically the same type of weapon, is based on the sidewinder B missile body. As such, this missile has a very weak range and manoeuvrability. Being used as a "close-range surprise SARH weapon", often used to confuse Flare-equipped aircraft, expecting an IR-guided missile. Overall, the R3R and the R530 are not comparable.

== Usage in battles ==

The R530 missile can be used both as a front aspect, head-on weapon, and as a pursuit, longer range weapon, the latter characteristic being shared with its IR counterpart, the R530E. It is to be noted that the player has to keep radar lock on the target while the missile is en-route, but does not necessarily has to face the target. It is viable (and preferable) for the launcher aircraft to perform a "notch", which means changing direction after launch, and following a course that still allows the radar to keep lock on the target, while remaining at a safe distance. The Mirage IIIC platform can perform notches at moderate angles, ensuring evasive manoeuvres can be achieved while guiding the weapon.

The missile should be used in a range of about 15km the target is facing the carrier aircraft (making their relative speed about mach 2). The boost time and manoeuvrability of the missile is adequate to secure a kill, though hard evasive manoeuvres will defeat it, but leave the target at lower speed, and open an opportunity to attack with other weapons.

In pursuit, as the missile has a speed of Mach 2.7, and a confortable, but not unlimited range, firing a fleeing target at more than 5 km is to be avoided, because this setup pushes the limits of endurance of the missile, making the hit very unreliable.

Another point to be noted is that with such range, a good firing position will greatly increase the missile hit probability :
[[File:Efficient placement of the carrier aircraft, relative to the target with a R.530 attack.png|thumb|Efficient placement of the carrier aircraft, relative to the target with a R.530 attack]]
A missile being a target tracking weapon, its guidance is assured by proportional navigation (I.E the missile does not "run after" the target, but estimates the position of the target at the time impact, and directs itself to that position. This method is the most efficient to engage a target). This fact implies that the missile should be fired while taking into account this shift in target position. The adequate firing position is very similar to a gun firing position. Aiming ahead of the target will maximize the missile flight time efficiency. This technique is shown in this picture.

Overall, this missile of average manoeuvrability for the tier is better used on unsuspecting targets at long range, and RWR equipped targets at closer range, to deny the enemy time to plan an evasive manoeuvre.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Heavy missile, with long flight time
* Streamlined construction bleeds little energy on flight
* Adequate warhead
* Adequate manoeuvrability
* Excellent verticality
* Immune to flares

'''Cons:'''

* Most carrier aircraft carry only one of this weapon.
* SARH nature means the missile is unreliable in top-down attack (because of ground clutter).
* SARH nature means RWR equipped targets will be aware of the missiles arrival.
* Heavy missile implies the carrier aircraft loses manoeuverability while carrying it.

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:R.530.png|R.530 missile, slung on the underbelly pylon of a Mirage IIIC
</gallery>

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

OTOMATIC

2022-01-16T17:10:15Z

U109262731: /* Ammunition */ minor spelling correction

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_otomatic
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

The OTOMATIC is a radar-equipped SPAAG that is capable of shooting proximity fused frag rounds and can destroy planes even in a single, well-aimed shot. Shooting down aircraft should be the primary use of this vehicle at least until APFSDS rounds are unlocked, so staying in a cap zone is recommended, as the unit doesn't carry a lot of ammo (90 shells for a cannon with a 0.5s reload). When APFSDS are available, the OTOMATIC may defend capture points against enemy tanks as well, while still dealing with aircraft, or it can switch to a more mobile, MBT-like playstyle, mostly thanks to the excellent penetration of the sabot rounds and the two-axis stabiliser.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Structural steel (Radar equipment, Mudguards)
* Rubber-fabric screens

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 70 mm (59°), 35 mm (81°) ''Front glacis'' 50 mm (52°) ''Lower glacis'' 25 mm (81°), 50 mm (30-46°) ''Ammo stowage hatch'' || 25-35 mm ''Top'' 30 mm ''Bottom'' || 25 mm (1-40°) || 30 mm (89°) ''Front'' 15 mm (89°) ''Rear'' 5 mm ''Engine grille''
|-
| Turret || 25 mm (25-45°) ''Turret front'' 25 mm (17-83°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25 mm (0-11°) || 25 mm (1-10°) || 15 mm
|-
|}

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,179|rbMinHp=734}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62 (76 mm)}}The OTOMATIC is armed with the most famous naval autocannon, the OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62. This specific configuration is the Compact version, meaning the carousel is smaller for size reduction but with an increase is ROF. This particular gun, if already used in vessels, has one of the best tradeoff in accuracy, stopping power and range. Different from other cannons, the 76mm is the biggest anti-air caliber yet the smallest caliber for modern vehicles. The version mounted on the OTOMATIC is set to super-rapid fire, speeding the ROF from 60 RPM to 120 RPM. This has its own pros and cons. From one side you have a tremendous stopping power which can deal with all threats in seconds, including ground. However, on the other side, you devour ammunition when doing continuous fire, getting from 90 shells to 60 in a matter of seconds.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62 (76 mm)|76 mm OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 90 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 61.6 || 85.3 || 103.6 || 114.6 || 121.9 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 41.6 || 49.0 || 59.5 || 65.8 || 70.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
The OTOMATIC has access to both anti-air and anti-tank ammunitions capable of dealing with a high variety of threats, from lightly armored IFV's to heavily armored MBT's.

''SAPOM:''

The Semi Armor-Piercing High Explosive Incendiary rounds has a multipurpose capabilities with a little bit of everything. It has a nice tradeoff between anti-air and anti-tank capabilities due to the explosive mass and armor penetration. However, the SAPOM is not really suggested for anything rather than anti-tank roles as the HE-VT* is more than capable of dealing with enemy threats. It should be noted most of the targets faced can be killed from the sides if shot between the road wheels in the lower half of the chassis (in case for NATO tanks), engine deck (will only cause fire and damage to transmission), Gunner's Primary Sight (in case of M1 Abrams and XM-1's). When it comes to dealing with Russian targets (the most generally armored MBT's in the game), SAPOM should be fire almost at the ground hitting the lowest part of the chassis. It is recommended to destroy their tracks and barrels in order to let friendly units take them out for this reason. SAPOM is capable of destroying all lightly armored targets seen at the battle-rating (IFV's, SPAA's, etc).

''APFSDS:''

The dart ammunition has a full anti-tank role though it can be used for anti-air roles, however it is not recommended. It has decent penetration and stopping power as a dart and is more than capable with dealing enemy tanks. It is able to destroy enemy targets in one hit if it's a well placed shot. Ammunition should be targeted with the APFSDS as the low ammount of ammunition carrying can make it run out of APFSDS before destroying the enemy. Trapshots are suggested (driver's port, cupola, mantlets, etc).

''HE-MOM:''

The High Explosive Variable Time fuze proximity shell has a full anti-air role with zero anti-tank role. Thanks to the high caliber, the HE is able to carry a proximity fuze with a lethal explosive mass, making it capable of destroying all aerial threats with one or two hits. Trigger discipline is recommended as, due to the fast fire rate, the OTOMATIC can spend the whole ammunition reserve really fast. Thanks to being a big shell, most enemy helis and aircraft will not redirect course when being fired at until it's too late compared to the continious fire smaller caliber SPAA have (25mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, etc). They do not trigger Missile Alert Warning, making them the ultimate helicopter killer.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| 76/62 SAPOM || SAPHEI || 60 || 59 || 54 || 50 || 46 || 43
|-
| 76/62 APFSDS || APFSDS || 311 || 308 || 301 || 291 || 281 || 271
|-
| 76/62 HE-MOM || HE-VT* || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| 76/62 SAPOM || SAPHEI || 910 || 6.35 || 1.2 || 14 || 662.4 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 76/62 APFSDS || APFSDS || 1,580 || 2.18 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 76/62 HE-MOM || HE-VT* || 910 || 6.3 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,070 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''90''' || 64 ''(+26)'' || 55 ''(+35)'' || ''27(+63)'' || 0 ''(+90)'' || No
|-
|}

===Radars===
{{main|SMA VPS-A05‎|SMA VPG-A06}}
The OTOMATIC is equipped with a [[SMA VPS-A05]] search radar and a [[SMA VPG-A06]] tracking radar; both radars are located on the top of the turret, with the SMA VPS-A05 being mounted on an arm at the rear, and the SMA VPG-A06 being mounted further forwards on the left hand side of the turret roof. The radar system is capable of tracking a target while scanning, but can only track targets within a 180° arc from the front of the turret. Both radar can be folded.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | [[SMA VPS-A05]] - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
|-
| 20,000 m || 500 m || 360° || -__°/+__° || 10 m/s (36 km/h)
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SMA VPG-A06]] - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum target speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
|-
| 16,000 m || 75 m || ±90° || -15°/+87° || 15 m/s (54 km/h)
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The OTOMATIC is one of the more role-diverse SPAA in the game, akin to that of the ADATS with its anti-air/anti-tank missiles. However, the OTOMATIC can practice these diverse roles without needing to notify the enemy of what role it is prior to an engagement. The {{PAGENAME}} has the mobility, speed, armor and electronics to make it one of the best SPAA or anti-tank vehicle, depending on what the commander or battlefield situation dictate.

The OTOMATIC has a big ammo rack with three types of ammunition for all types of players, for those who want to be deadly to only aircraft and control the skies as quickly as possible, and for those who want to carry out as much destruction as possible regardless if they want to go anti-air or anti-tank. The only drawback is that the OTOMATIC can only carry 12 APFSDS rounds. The recommended round load is 50 HE-VT*, 20 SAPOM, and 12 APFSDS for both anti-air and anti-tank capabilities. Each of these rounds are well-suited for the targets they are specialized to fight against.

=== HE-VT* ===
This round makes nailing aircraft such an easy task, though it has its pros and cons compared to missiles that other high-ranking SPAA are using. As a con, a HE-VT* shell carries less explosive power, cannot be guided, and has a slower muzzle velocity compared to missiles. However, the HE-VT* as a shell will not trigger the aircraft's Missile Approach Warning system (MAW) and so the enemy may be caught unaware of an incoming 76 mm HE-VT* shell if they do not see it coming. The only visual cue they would have is the flying tracer round, compared to a missile smoke streak that may be traced to the firing SPAA vehicle. The larger number of HE-VT* shells carried also means the {{PAGENAME}} can quickly follow-up a shot if the first shot missed, without too much worry on ammunition waste.

This round helps make the {{PAGENAME}} one of the more reliable SPAA at the top-rank battlefield. A missile would cause hovering aircraft like helicopters to simply find cover as soon as the MAW is activated. Top-rank SPAA that uses missile also have a reliance to their radar lock, as it must maintain that lock for the missile to track and hit the target. The {{PAGENAME}} also has access to thermal sights and a laser rangefinder to help locate aircraft in the air and find their range without use of the radar. With this, the {{PAGENAME}} can track a helicopter and find their distance without the enemy helicopter being aware that they are within the {{PAGENAME}}'s sights and firing range.

=== SAPOM ===
This round provides some flexibility in the usage of the {{PAGENAME}}. It is a Semi Armour-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary (SAPHEI) round that does not have the penetration values of a likewise APCBC round, while also not having as much high-explosives as a dedicated HE shell. However, this round in the 76 mm calibre does still present some general-purpose uses. While there is enough high-explosives in the shell to use against an aircraft, the presence of the HE-VT* shell makes this role redundant by a more capable shell. The shell can fight enemy armoured fighting vehicles, but a maximum penetration of 60 mm at point-blank range means this round will struggle against any main battle tanks fought at the {{PAGENAME}}'s battle-rating. Nevertheless, as the only armour-piercing round available to the {{PAGENAME}} before it unlocks the APFSDS, it must be used with caution, patience, and practice for maximum efficiency.

Arguably one of the best use of the SAPOM round is as a reserve so that the valuable 12 APFSDS that can be carried in the {{PAGENAME}} is not wasted; or in the worst case all HE-VT* is spent. As such, its use should be reserved to fighting lightly-armoured vehicles, when out of APFSDS against ground units, or out of HE-VT* against air targets.

====Fighting Specific Tanks with SAPOM====
'''NATO allegiance MBT's (Leopard, Abrams, Leclerc, etc.)''':

*When facing from the front:
**Aim at the main gun to disable the tank's firepower. After that is disabled, aim for the tracks to immobilize the vehicle. Then allow a more capable ally destroy the enemy tank.

*When facing from the side/rear:
**Aim at medium lower section of a tank's hull sides, in between the road wheels where the armour is generally weaker.
**If the {{PAGENAME}} is positioned to be somewhere towards the vehicle's rear, aim instead at the turret bustle ammunition rack. No tank has enough armor to withstand multiple hits to the ammo rack. Aiming at engine deck is worthless if gun is not disabled.

'''CSTO allegiance MBT's (T-80, T-90, ZTZ-99, etc.)'''

*When facing from the front:
**Aim at the main gun to disable the tank's firepower. After that is disabled, aim for the tracks to immobilize the vehicle. Then allow a more capable ally destroy the enemy tank.

*When facing from the side/rear:
** Unfortunately, CSTO MBTs are often more well-armoured at the sides than NATO tanks, enough so to resist SAPOM rounds more easily with slight angling. As such, an attack with SAPOM rounds should not be attempted even from the sides.
** If able to hit the vehicle's rear, the only place of worth the {{PAGENAME}} may penetrate is the engine deck. Shoot there to disable the enemy's mobility, but make sure to disable the enemy's gun as it reacts otherwise it may destroy the {{PAGENAME}}.

'''Generally speaking, try and avoid combat with CSTO MBTs if the {{PAGENAME}} only has SAPOM rounds available, unless it is mission-critical that the enemy tank must be immobilized or disabled.'''

=== APFSDS ===
This is probably the most used round by the OTOMATIC when it is being used for anti-tank purposes. This is the same round the Rooikat uses, meaning it is a reliable round with good capabilities, but does require trigger discipline, situational awareness and knowledge of the enemy tank's "anatomy" to make every single round count as there are only 12 round carried. While the APFSDS round has nowhere enough penetration power to deal with enemy MBT, it does have enough to penetrate weakpoints and from favorable angle-of-attacks.

'''NATO allegiance MBT's (Leopard, Abrams, Leclerc, etc.)''':

*When facing from the front:
**As explained above, utilize the terrain to the {{PAGENAME}}'s advantage against the enemy. However, a frontal encounter is highly discouraged

*When facing from the side/rear:
**Aim at the hull ammo racks
***Leopard/Leclerc/Type 90: Next to driver
***Abrams: Almost at engine deck, a small wall ammo rack
**If able to hit the enemy from an angle closer to their rear, aim exclusively at turret bustle ammo rack. APFSDS will over-penetrate and make the blast shields useless.

'''CSTO allegiance MBT's (T-80, T-90, ZTZ-99, etc.)'''

*When facing from the front:
**As explained above, utilize the terrain to the {{PAGENAME}}'s advantage against the enemy. However, a frontal encounter is highly discouraged

*When facing from the side/rear:
**Aim at the hull ammo racks
***T-64's/T-80's: any hit to the side. Ammo rack is in an "L" shape, making ammo rack hits easy
***T-72's/T-90: aim in a manner like if the target was a T-80, but closer to the ground due to ammo rack closer to the ground as it is in a "=" shape
**If able to hit the enemy from an angle closer to their rear, aim exclusively at anywhere is possible to hit. Preferably the turret rear to disable critical modules or even hit an ammunition rack if there is any.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Radar guidance system
* Equipped by default with HE-VT fuse shells capable of annihilating aircraft within 1-3 indirect hits. Direct hits usually destroy the aircraft in one blow
* Excellent scoped zoom for an SPAA (8.0x to 16.1x)
* Immense fire rate for the gun calibre; 120 RPM for a 76 mm gun
* Two axis stabiliser
* APFSDS can penetrate up to 311 mm, enough to destroy any top-rank MBT with a well-placed shot
* Equipped with SAPHEI shells, capable of dealing with many light tanks and the XM-1
* Capable of taking out long-range helicopters with ammunition which does not explode until approximately 4.6 km away, allowing for shots well past the radar tracking range
* The OF-40 chassis provides reasonable protection and mobility (especially compared to the M163 and ZSU-23-4)
* Hits to the chassis will not hull break the tank
* Fantastic turret rotation and elevation speed
* Generation 1 thermals for the gunner - makes spotting enemy aircraft, helicopters and tanks a much easier task
* Fear factor - Enemy pilots who know there is an OTOMATIC around will fall back in a far more cautious playstyle and are less likely to attack friendly ground vehicles in the open
* Large cannon breech - can soak up shrapnel, thereby protecting the turret crew

'''Cons:'''

* Turret has immensely thin armour, can be penetrated by other SPAA as well as secondary cannons from the MBT-70 or AMX-40
* Can be hull broken by hits to the turret
* Several turret-mounted ammo racks that are almost impossible ''not'' to hit
* APFSDS rounds are a tier IV modification
* APFSDS capacity limited to 12 rounds
* APFSDS has limited accuracy at range
* Massive profile, straightforward to spot and shoot
* This vehicle's reputation precedes it, enemies will prioritise its destruction
* SAPHEI's penetration is abysmal, and 62 mm consistently fails to penetrate the sides of Abrams or T-64s/T-72s/T-80s
* First-stage ammo stowage capacity of 29 rounds. The gun's high rate of fire will empty this quickly
* There must be at least one shell in the first-stage stowage to fire the gun
* Each round must be loaded into the first-stage stowage individually. This massively increases reload times if the stowage is empty
* The gun can only elevate 60 degrees. This is below average for an SPAA vehicle of this tier.
* Rate of fire decreases when your loader is knocked out
* A hit to the turret, even if it doesn't kill the crew, will always result in a destroyed breech due to the sheer amount of space the breech takes up in the turret

== History ==

Development of the OTOMATIC SPAAG began during the mid 1980s as a private venture of the OTO Melara company. The basic concept behind the OTOMATIC was to take the successful 76 mm Super Rapido utility cannon used on naval vessels and fit it to a suitable mobile platform in order to create a long-range SPAA vehicle that would outmatch similar designs such as the German Gepard or British Marksman system. Although a challenging feat, Italian engineers eventually succeeded in this endeavour, creating a vehicle that wasn't only up to the latest technological standards but also perfectly suited, and even exceeded, various NATO requirements of the time. The first prototype of the OTOMATIC was ready for testing in the late 1980s. Intended to be compatible with a large number of NATO vehicles of the time, the OTOMATIC, similarly to the British Marksman system, was tested on several hulls and it was planned to be capable of fitting any NATO tank, including the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams. However, as the Cold War ended and general interest for SPAAG vehicles began declining in favour of more modern missile systems, the OTOMATIC project never received any interest from potential users. For the Italian army, the project was initially accepted, but later abandoned due to budget cuts.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5943-development-otomatic-spaag-belated-perfection-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=spaa&vehicle=it_otomatic Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

'''Images'''<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|zn2-YsUBRBw|'''Should You Grind The OTOMATIC?''' - ''Sako Sniper''|J9nUjFDdk-E|'''The Shooting Range #131''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the OTOMATIC.|IntAZ778ewQ|'''OTOMATIC - Top Tier Balance - The Gaijin Way''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[OF-40 (Family)]]

;Ships equipped with the same gun

* [[Albatros-Klasse (143)]]
* [[HMS Peacock]]
* [[Sparviero]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5943-development-otomatic-spaag-belated-perfection-en|[Devblog] OTOMATIC SPAAG: Belated Perfection]]
* [[wikipedia:Otomatic|[Wikipedia] Otomatic]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/otomatic/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> OTOMATIC]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/435771-otomatic-spaag-belated-perfection/ [Forum<nowiki>]</nowiki> Official Forum Thread for the {{PAGENAME}}.]

{{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}}
{{Italy anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Mirage IIIE

2021-12-30T16:05:51Z

U109262731: /* Pros and cons */ minor spelling correction

{{About
| about = French jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other Mirage III
| link = Mirage IIIC
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mirage_3e
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]]. Contrary to its older sibling, the Mirage IIIC, the Mirage IIIE represents a (successful) attempt to integrate air-to-ground capabilities into the Mirage III line of aircraft. These capabilities are achieved by the addition of a ballistic computer to aid in the destruction of ground assets with guns, bombs, and rockets. The aircraft also receives numerous improvements, such as a new version of the Atar 9 engine, which is not only slightly more powerful, but also much more responsive. An RWR system and a countermeasure dispenser is also installed.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

Overall, the Mirage IIIE is flown like the Mirage IIIC. The key feature of the Mirage airframe is its delta wing. Delta winged aircraft present tremendous manoeuvrability, at the cost of energy bleeding. The Mirage is no exception. While capable of supersonic flight, even at low altitude, and loaded with its air-to-air armament, high-G manoeuvres provokes as much deceleration as using a giant airbrake. This is, in fact, what a delta wing becomes, under high incidence angle, due to its very high vortex lift.

In general, the Mirage IIIE is nimble and fast, but it lacks the engine power of its contemporaries, such as the [[MiG-21bis]] or the [[F-104 (Family)|F-104]] series. Getting up to speed, or regaining it will be a bit longer. A trade-off for the Mirage IIIE's manoeuvrability.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,092 || 2,053 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.8 || 30.5 || 111.6 || 100.4 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,231 || 2,157 || 26.2 || 28.0 || 169.8 || 139.2
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || X || X || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 920 || < 750 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel, no booster)
|-
| colspan="2" | SNECMA Atar 9C || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,360 kg || colspan="2" | 291 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no booster) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel
|-
| 1,450 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,929 kg || 8,686 kg || 9,256 kg || 10,950 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP, no booster)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,210 kgf || 6,110 kgf
| 0.77 || 0.70 || 0.66 || 0.56
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,389 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,603 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.09 || 0.99 || 0.93 || 0.79
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

Being a very light aircraft, the Mirage IIIE does not bear any sort of armour. It is to be noted that it has a very fragile rudder, which is mandatory to fly. Even as little as losing its moving actuator is enough to make the Mirage IIIE uncontrollable. The wings, being built upon titanium longerons, are quite sturdy and can sometimes survive hits.

The lack of armour on the Mirage can be compensated by the very small size of the aircraft.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}
The entirety of the AA missile armament of the Mirage IIIE is stacked in a single line. The AIM-9B missile will be of moderate help. The Matra 530 will be of better efficiency.

The Mirage IIIE being the end of the Dassault line-up, each components are pricey in research points, costing up to 32,000 RP for the 4th tier.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
The Mirage IIIE comes with a pair of DEFA 552A canons, with 125 round per gun, for 250 rounds total. These guns output a moderate shell velocity (but high rate of fire), but the DEFA shells are extremely destructive, and can blow a wing off of even the sturdiest aircrafts, such as the [[F-4E Phantom II]]. The Air targets belt composes only of HE, incendiary, tracers. Overall, the best pick of shells one could want for air-to-air combat. The Ground targets belt can pierce moderate armour, and are nothing to write home about. They will shred APCs and IFVs, but not MBTs.
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|SAMP Type 21 (400 kg)|SNEB type 23|DEFA 552A (30 mm)}}
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AS-30 Nord|Matra R530|Matra R530E|Matra R550 Magic 1}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons (125 rpg = 250 total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x AS-30 Nord missile + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x AS-30 Nord missile + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (500 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles (500 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets (500 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets (500 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (800 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles (800 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets (800 kg total)
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets (800 kg total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles

As with most aircraft of this level, the Mirage is as good as the missiles it carries. The AIM-9B is an IR seeker missile of the very first type. It pulls few Gs, cannot orientate its seeker head and is very easily distracted by flares. Still, some kills can be expected on unsuspecting enemies, or enemies engaged with another aircraft in a turnfight, and low on energy.

The Matra R530 is a radar guided, medium range missile. Only one can be carried, but it is one of best SARH missiles in the game. As a counterpart, the Cyrano radar of the Mirage IIIE is quite small, with range rarely exceeding 20 km. Inside this range, the missile has good range and manoeuvrability during the entire flight time. A good addition to the Mirage IIIE's arsenal. The SARH capability of the missile can be traded for the IR seeker of the Matra R530E, making it the biggest IR seeker of the game. This version does not require radar lock, but cannot be fired in front aspect, and can be distracted by flares, where the Cyrano radar guiding the R530 can only be disturbed by chaff, which is used much more rarely.

As a tier 4 modification, the Mirage IIIE receives the dreaded Matra 550 Magic. This IR seeking missile of second generation is an excellent weapon, being both extremely manoeuvrable (pulling 30Gs, sometimes more), very light and reactive, and quite resilient to flares. Under two kilometres, and launched in appropriate conditions at subsonic speeds, this missile is virtually inescapable. It is to be noted that this missile, thanks to its canted launch rail, can be launched under significant G-load. Its only two drawbacks are its short range, and the limited number of units carried under the Mirage wings, with only two of the type. Comparatively, the F-4 Phantom series can carry 4 IR missiles, and 4 to 6 for the MiG-21 series, J35 Draken, and F-104 series.

As for ground attack, the Mirage III E carries the usual load of post-war French ordnance, in the form of 250/400 kg SAMP bombs, SNEB HEAT rockets, and the AS-30 missile. The deployment of these weapons can be aided by the ballistic computer.

The AS-30 Nord missile is a MCLOS, AS-20 derived, heavy warhead HE missile. Only one can be carried, and it is quite hard to use, but the damage output on ground targets in mixed battles is enormous. It is not uncommon to score two kills with one missile.

== Usage in battles ==

The Mirage IIIE is an improvement over the Mirage IIIC in nearly every aspect. Its delta wing permits high-G, speed bleeding manoeuvres, and should be used to force an opponent to overshoot, and give it chase with missiles or guns.

The missile load of the Mirage III E is quite light, with only 3 missiles, but the missiles are excellent, and should rarely miss. The addition of the flare dispenser is also of excellent help against the very dangerous IR seeking R-60 missile, which does not perform well with the saturation of its target with flares. Note that flares are mostly inefficient when afterburner is on, and turning it off for mere seconds can be the difference between life and death.

Overall, sticking close to the ground, at high speed, and making missile passes on opponents is a good way to reach victory. Dogfights should be engaged only if the target position is advantageous, and the Mirage IIIE cannot just bleed out of energy and re-accelerate away.

The Mirage IIIE can be equipped with the SEPR 941 booster rocket if the guns are dismounted. This strategy is considered as to be avoided, the loadouts permitting the removal of the guns are very restrictive. The booster gives an output of 1.5 extra ton of thrust, and can burnt for 105 seconds before running dry.

For ground attack, the Mirage IIIE is of moderate use. While it can still carry bombs, it is a fighter by essence. It is to be noted that the Mirage IIIE can carry its entire AA armament, plus two air-to-ground weapons, on two extra hardpoints.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent missile armament
* Slim airframe
* Powerful cannons
* Added multi-role capability over the Mirage IIIC
* Flare/chaff dispenser, for 60 slots
* RWR equipped

'''Cons:'''

* Low missile count
* Moderate power engine
* Considered a priority target by enemies
* Much heavier than its predecessor while being given negligible thrust increase which results in a more sluggish aircraft

== History ==

{{main|Mirage_IIIC#History|l1=History of the Mirage IIIC}}

The Mirage IIIE is a multirole fighter version of the Mirage III series of attack aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation for the French Air Force. The aircraft was a follow-up to the earlier Mirage IIIC, featuring a fuselage extension, countermeasures and increased weapons capabilities. The first Mirage IIIE was built in 1964 and would quickly become the most popular variant of the Mirage in French service: the last Mirages would not be retired from French service until 1994.

Compared to the earlier Mirage IIIC, the Mirage IIIE featured numerous improvements: notably, the fuselage was stretched by 30 cm (12 in) to accommodate additional avionics and fuel tanks. It was updated with the CSF Marconi Navigation computer used on the Mirage IV nuclear bomber. The new version of Cyrano II fire control radar added some new air-to-ground modes like ground-mapping of air-to-ground ranging. Also, the most obvious change in external characteristics was the pod under the nose which contain the CSF Marconi Doppler Navigation radar. Besides, a Thomson BU radar warning receiver was fitted in the tail-fin which can provide warning information for the pilots. The Head-Up-Display unit was also changed from CSF95 to the new CSF97 which added the air-to-ground capacity too. Thanks to the new structural strength design into the airframe, the Mirage IIIE fighter could carry 4,000 kg payload in total.

The Mirage IIIE was the most common Mirage III type in service with the French air force, with a total of 183 aircraft delivered, compared to 95 Mirage IIIC and 70 Mirage IIIR aircraft. The last Mirage III would not retire from the French air force until 1994, at which point it was replaced by the Mirage 2000 and later the Dassault Rafale. The Mirage IIIE was the most popular version of Mirage III family, with 523 being built and delivered to both France and customers around the world, the Swiss and Pakistani versions can equip Chaff/Flare dispenser in to the bottom of the fuselage too. The Mirage III would see extensive service in numerous wars for several air forces; notably, the Israeli air force used Mirages during the Six-day war and Yom Kippur War, while Argentina employed its Mirage IIIEAs against British forces during the Falklands war.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mirage_3e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Mirage IIIE hangar.png|A Mirage IIIE, equipped with its full anti-air armament, of two Magics and one Matra R530
File:Mirage IIIE front.png|Closeup view of the Mirage IIIE AA armament. Note the canted Magic launch rails, allowing fire under G stress
</gallery>

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Dassault}}
{{France jet aircraft}}

Hispano 404 (20 mm)

2021-07-16T15:52:27Z

U109262731: /* Pros and cons */

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|d_501}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|d_510}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|d_520_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|d_520}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|d_521}}
{{Navigation-Line| }}{{Specs-Link|mb_152c1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mb_157}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ms_405c1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ms_406c1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ms_410c1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|p-400}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|vg_33}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Twin-engine fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|potez_630}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|potez_631}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ro_57_quadriarma}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|vb_10_02}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|vb_10c1}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Attackers'''}}{{Specs-Link|br_693_ab2}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Bombers'''}}{{Specs-Link|leo_451_early}} (Defensive){{-}}{{Specs-Link|leo_451_late}} (Defensive){{-}}{{Specs-Link|mb_162}} (Defensive){{-}}{{Specs-Link|nc_223_3}} (Defensive)

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available ammunition ===


* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|P|Practice}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-SAPI|High-explosive fragmentation (semi-armour-piercing incendiary)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}
* '''Ground targets:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}
* '''Tracers:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
* '''Stealth:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-SAPI|High-explosive fragmentation (semi-armour-piercing incendiary)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}
* '''Armored targets (turret):''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}
* '''Universal (turret):''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Default || 17 || 15 || 11 || 7 || 5 || 2
|-
| Universal || 26 || 23 || 17 || 14 || 8 || 6
|-
| Ground targets || 26 || 23 || 17 || 14 || 8 || 2
|-
| Tracers || 26 || 23 || 17 || 14 || 8 || 2
|-
| Stealth || 26 || 23 || 17 || 14 || 8 || 6
|-
| Armored targets (turret) || 26 || 23 || 17 || 14 || 8 || 2
|-
| Universal (turret) || 26 || 23 || 17 || 14 || 8 || 2
|-
|}

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fairly accurate once modification is unlocked
* Provides a decent punch at close range
* Good rate of fire
* Ground-belts are capable at CAS on lightly-armored roofs.

'''Cons:'''

* Early versions are limited to 60 shots due to drum loaded ammunition
* Low amount of explosive in HE shells
* Air targets belt has no tracers
* Inaccurate when stock

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the weapon;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA aircraft cannons}}
{{Britain aircraft cannons}}
{{Italy aircraft cannons}}
{{France aircraft cannons}}

[[Category:Aircraft cannons]]

SA.342M Gazelle

2021-04-04T09:56:55Z

U109262731: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other version
| link = SA.341F Gazelle
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=sa_342m
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

Initially designed by Sud Aviation in 1966, the Gazelle helicopter project (SA 340, SA 341 and SA 342) was continued by Aérospatiale as a French five-seat transport, scout and light attack helicopter manufactured in both France and the United Kingdom. Manufacturing licenses were granted allowing a Yugoslavian company SOKO and the Arab British Helicopter Company in Egypt to also produce these aircraft.

The Turbomeca Artouste Astazou XIV turbine engine powers the SA.342M Gazelle. Initial testing of this helicopter utilised a standard tail-rotor taken from the Alouette, however, design changes switched to a Fenestron-style tail, the first helicopter to do so. The Fenestron tail or "fantail" differs from a conventional tail rotor as it contains eight to eighteen blades housed within the tail unit of the helicopter. Advantages of the Fenestron include substantial noise reduction, protection of tail rotor damage from contact with other objects and protection of ground personnel working around the tail section. With the aid of the Fenestron tail, the Gazelle was the world's fastest helicopter in its class during its early years.

In the service of the French, the Gazelle SA.342M was utilised as a light support helicopter equipped with various rockets, anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles. Seven different suspended armament configurations allow the SA.342M to fulfil a versatile role in the fighting zone whether sniping armoured vehicles or hunting other aircraft loitering around the battlefield. Fast and agile with a punch, the Gazelle is a formidable foe with many surprises.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}

The Gazelle is a fast and agile helicopter which can do tight turns and barrel rolls at a relative altitude. It has similar flight performance as the EC-665 Tiger helicopters but with a more sluggish flight. The weight and small size make the Gazelle one of the fastest accelerating helicopters in the game even with full payload.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - at sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 265 || 249 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 301 || 285
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}

The Gazelle has low survivability even against flak, not only because the cabin has low thickness but also because the cabin glass takes a lot of the cabin surface. Thus, even low-calibre machine gun fire is able to take the Gazelle down with no issues at all.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}

{{main|HOT-1|HOT-2 TOW|Mistral|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x HOT-1 missiles
* 4 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
* 4 x Mistral missiles
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 7 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-1 missiles
* 2 x Mistral missiles + 2 x HOT-2 TOW missiles

This version of the Gazelle removes the 20 mm autocannon and replaces it with two additional pylons which can be used to carry double the ordnance. It has a really low ordnance capacity compared to other helicopters at the tier but compensates it with the agility and speed, specially when compared with Mi-24's. Both HOT-1 and HOT-2 do not have really long ranges, meaning the Gazelle has to enter within the SPAA range. However, SPAA can be countered by flying low and staying behind cover, specially trees and mountains. It carries a really low amount of rockets but can be deadly if aimed correctly. It also has access to air-to-air missiles, the Mistral missile.

== Usage in battles ==

This helicopter has three main playstyles, centred around the selected loadout.

* Anti-Tank: Using ATGMs, get within 4 km of a target, while remaining hidden by trees or buildings, and guide your missile to the target. Focus on tanks without reactive armour, as they may render your missiles ineffective, and waste your time. After expending your missiles, it is best to return to the helipad and resupply.

* Rocketeer: Using unguided rockets, fly low over the battlefield and assault a single tank with a precise salvo, and then retreat behind cover.

* Air defence: Using AAMs, sneak behind enemy lines, and land in an obscured area, or behind cover, and wait for aircraft or helicopters to get near your allies. Then surprise attack them with your missiles and cannon fire. This will make short work of any helicopter, and most slow-flying aircraft.

Overall you want to avoid direct line-of-sight to your enemies, as they likely can spot you faster than you can spot them, and engage you at longer range. Surface-to-air missiles are a serious threat, as they can take you by surprise, and you have no radar detector to warn you of their presence. The same applies to radar-guided anti-aircraft guns.

In Helicopter Battles (Heli EC) the Gazelle is notably better than either of the two preceding helicopters, finally unlocking AAMs with a greater range (5.5km) than 3/4km ATGMs.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* One of the smallest helicopters, easier to hide, and harder to hit at high speed
* Mistral air-to-air missiles
* Has access to flares and thermal optics
* Can be equipped with HOT-1 and HOT-2 AGMs
* Can equip two types of Missiles and or Rockets at a time.

'''Cons:'''

* Surprisingly hard to maneuver at speed, and has a tendency to over-roll
* No armour, easy to damage critical components and eliminate crew
* Starts off with one of the weakest stock loadouts for helicopters
* No gun armaments
* Very low unguided rocket count, Horrendous stock grind.

== History ==

The SA.342M Gazelle was the anti-tank version of the SA.342F Gazelle, the Gazelle utilized by the French army. It was fitted with the Astazou XIV engine as well as with the Euromissile HOT-2 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile. In order to increase the anti-tank capabilities, it was fitted with SFIM APX M397 stabilised sight.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 003.jpg
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 004.jpg
File:SA 342M WTWallpaper 005.jpg
</gallery>

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6057-development-sa-341f-sa-342m-gazelle-light-hunter-en|[Devblog] SA.341F & SA.342M Gazelle: Light Hunter]]

{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
{{France helicopters}}

Talk:MPK Pr.12412

2021-03-05T12:02:12Z

U109262731: /* Adding Hangar picture */ new section

== Adding Hangar picture ==

Hey so, I made a picture that I think would be fine as a hangar picture for this ship. I'd add it but I don't know how to.
[[File:MPK Pr.12412.png|thumb]]
If someone else knows how to, you can just use the pic I made that'd be fine.

File:MPK Pr.12412.png

2021-03-05T12:00:47Z

U109262731:

A picture of the MPK Pr.12412 in the hangar